Ten for 10: Top Colorado Eagles games to attend

By Adam Dunivan Sports Writer

Posted:
10/11/2012 11:08:04 PM MDT

Never been to an Eagles game before and want to see what it's all about? If you're looking for a good first date, a place to bring the in-laws from out of town or just want to engage yourself in the highest level of hockey currently playing in the region, here are 10 games to look forward to for 2012-13:

Today or Saturday, Oct. 13 -- Alaska Aces: Not only is it the opening weekend for the Eagles, it might be your only chance to see some current NHL players out on the ice for awhile. Alaska boasts three Anchorage natives who decided to suit up with them until the big league decides its labor quarrel. Entering the fray for the visiting Aces are Joey Crabb, Nate Thompson and Brandon Dubinsky. Dubinsky played the last several years with the New York Rangers, Crabb suited up for Toronto last year and Thompson was a Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011-12.

Nate Thompson (44, center), a native of Anchorage, Alaska, opted to play in front of a hometown crowd while the NHL lockout continues. Thompson will likely be in the lineup tonight when the Eagles take on the Aces at the BEC.
(Kenneth Hickey/Alaska Aces)

Nov. 2 -- San Francisco Bulls: The Eagles took on the expansion Bulls in the preseason, but this will be the first chance to see both teams with full rosters. It's always exciting to see a new team, and this is the first of a couple of newbies the Eagles will see this season.

Nov. 21 -- Florida Everblades: One of the downfalls of playing in a coast-to-coast league is that the ECHL tends to schedule very few cross-conference games, and in fact the Eagles had none in their first season even though Chicago and Cincinnati seemed within range. That changed this season, and the defending ECHL champs will make their way to the BEC for a three-game set.

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Jan. 9 -- Stockton Thunder: The Eagles will be looking for revenge against the Thunder, the team that swept them out of the playoffs last year, in this three-game set. Surprisingly, it's the only regular-season appearance at the BEC for the Thunder.

Jan. 22 -- ECHL All-Star Skills Competition: After not even having an All-Star Game this past season, the rebirth of the game and the Skills Competition will take place at the BEC. ECHL All-Stars, current Colorado Eagles players and maybe even some Eagles alumni will compete in skating, shooting and goaltending events designed to see who's the best of the best.

Jan. 23 -- ECHL All-Star Game: It seemed like a perfect marriage for the Eagles and the league to get together for the All-Star Week, with the team celebrating 10 years and the league 25. There are plenty of events planned, including the Skills Competition the night before, but the All-Star Game once again will be a signature event for fans to attend with all the organization plans to display.

Feb. 6 -- Fort Wayne Komets: The Eagles really didn't get to see the best of Fort Wayne in their only season together in the CHL, as the Komets really found it hard to adjust in just one year after the IHL-CHL merger. It only took one more, however, as Al Sims guided his team to a fourth league championship in just five years. The Komets are one-of-a-kind, with a tradition that dates back to the early 50s.

March 13 -- Las Vegas: Any game against the Wranglers usually means entertainment at its highest. Both squads are high-flying and love to drop gloves, and the Eagles will be looking to get the better of a team they struggled against all last season. Of course, attending a game at the Orleans Arena just off the Strip would be another worthwhile venture.

March 23 -- Alaska: The last regular-season game may determine playoff position or it may not, but no one can lose out on fan appreciation night. The Eagles are also hoping to bookend the regular slate with solid performances against an Aces squad that always is near the top of the West.

TBD -- First playoff game: Win or lose, if you want to have a really, really good time with a lot of riled-up fanatics, grab a ticket to the opening postseason game at the BEC. The atmosphere is always electric as fans and players alike are rejuvenated for the second season.